Taliban retake town

ISLAMABAD Security forces have killed 12 more terrorists in the ongoing military operation Rah-e-Nejat in South Waziristan Agency, while four soldiers were martyred and three others got injured. According to operational details released by the ISPR on Tuesday, security forces are consolidating their positions n Jandola-Sararogha axis and extending perimeter of security around Kaskai and Shisanwam. It said that terrorists from surrounding heights were engaging security forces with rockets and small arms. The security forces have also recovered 21 mortar shells and 22 grenades during clearance operation at Spinkai and Nazarkhel, while one RPG-7 and material used for preparation of suicide jackets were also recovered during clearance operation at Tarakai Ridge. They have recovered 1x12.7 heavy machine gun along with 100 rounds during clearance operation at Sagarzai and also recovered 1x14.5 heavy machine gun along with 500 rounds during clearance operation at Spin Ghara. The forces destroyed three vehicles used by terrorists and recovered 2x12.7 with 38 rounds, 1x75 mm RR, 10x107 mm SBRL rockets, 27x82 mm mortar bombs, 100 rifle rounds at Kund. During the process, 12 terrorists were killed. The security forces have recovered four RPG, seven rockets, 4x107 mm SBRL rockets, 900 machine gun rounds and 11 IEDs from Kalkalle village. In Shakai-Ladha axis, security forces are consolidating their positions at Sherwangi and perimeter of security is being extended. The important heights surrounding Sherwangi have been secured and terrorists have vacated their positions leaving behind arms and ammunition. Agencies add: Taliban militants attacked forces and recaptured a strategic town on Tuesday, officials said. The army on Monday captured the small town of Kotkai, the birthplace of Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud on the approach to an insurgent base in South Waziristan, but militants struck back on Tuesday to retake it, security officials said. The town, also the hometown of Qari Hussain Mehsud, a senior Taliban commander known as the mentor of suicide bombers, is a gateway to a militant stronghold at Sararogha. Troops and Taliban fighters were locked in fierce clashes. At least 20 militants and four soldiers died in overnight fighting, officials said. Before the announcement of the latest casualties, the army said 78 militants had been killed and nine soldiers. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior military official said that fierce fighting continued overnight between security forces and rebels. Troops backed by artillery, attack helicopters and fighter jets pounded Taliban bastions around Kotkai. The troops have yet to enter Kotkai and it seems that they (militants) want to defend this stronghold at all costs, the official said. Our troops fought a pitched battle overnight to gain control of Kotkai, another security official confirmed. Troops have also consolidated their positions in the Nawazkot and Sherwangi areas, he added. Hoping to sow division, the military has been airdropping leaflets urging Mehsuds tribe to rise up and fight alongside the army. The aim of the army is to provide an opportunity to the Mehsud tribe to live in peace and tranquillity, said the flyers. Nearly 30,000 troops are involved in the three-pronged push, unleashed after a recent string of spectacular attacks including a 22-hour siege on the army headquarters. They are up against about 10,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban fighters including about 1,000 tough Uzbek fighters and some Arab al-Qaeda members. The militants have had years to prepare their bunkers, but the army says it has surrounded the entire militant zone and was attacking from the north, southwest and southeas